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- Photo by Megan Wilson - Issue 505 Issue North Thurston High School Thurston North A typical breakfast style lunch meal. style lunch breakfast A typical is trying to control our lives, and implied is trying to control our lives, and implied that she was not very pleased with the changes that have occurred in our school. many athletes, and of many clubs in which many athletes, and of stay after school. requires students to from activi get home Some students don’t is a long time to ties until 5:30 PM, which of food provided with go with the amount nameless lunch employ A school lunches. ee replied to the question, “Is this enough for you to be adequately nourished?” with “yes, but in perspective, a 6 foot youth This particu would probably not be full.” lar lunch worker also commented that this program was another way the government

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One important detail in the “Is this enough food for you to be adequately nourished?” but in perspective, “Yes, a 6 foot youth would probably not be full.” by Chelsie Bopp a different norm of food consumption, and a different there is only one option-which is only 800 Thurston is the home of calories. North schools get a medium serving size, and schools get a medium serving size, and size serving high schoolers get the largest This is what is to be consid possible. ered regulating the lunches, based on the doesn’t What the USDA student sizes. realize, is that every person in our school of The amount appetite. has a different calories one should eat a day depends on many factors, such as age, height, weight, sex, and overall health. Considering there are no two people alike who share all of these qualities, how can it be expected of us that we eat healthy when each of us has (Fr.) pay for more than one lunch option, pay for more than one lunch option, (Fr.) to stay adequately nourished. get program states that elementary schools a smaller serving of food, while middle that is a possibility for some students, that is a possibility to prefer Long (Jr.) Treshon others such as campus, where off buy their lunch items bang for your food has relatively more Joiner like Ryan buck. Some students, [ - - - - RamPage must be appropriate; we will not accept any advertisements that are derogatory, obscene, that create potential potential create that obscene, derogatory, are that advertisements any accept will we not be appropriate; must RamPage the views or represent necessarily do not in the RamPage Advertisements the school. to disruption creates that or danger, School Board. Thurston North orthe administration, faculty, Thurston North or the staff the RamPage of endorsements The ambition of the RamPage is to provide the staff and students of North Thurston High School with an unbiased pub unbiased an Highwith School Thurston North of students and staff the provide to is of the RamPage ambition The well are allstudents that to ensure strive We of information. the free-flow promote to and outlook open an with lication articles to accept agree we to do so, efforts our In class. or religion, gender, race, of regardless newspaper in our represented We will a make see revise we articles as fit. and reserve edit we to the right However, teachers. and students by submitted readers. our articlesfor and tasteful interesting generate to effort conscious designed to to webelieve be factuallyinaccurate, that advertising any reserves refuse staff to the right The RamPage any publish will not We attacks. unsubstantiated or vengeful, detrimental, containing and/or delude, or defraud, mislead, in use. or Allthe services advertising buy offer to 18 possess, under sellall illegal and/or for that persons advertisements Healthy, Hunger-Free Hunger-Free Healthy, With the help of the the With Upon asking students about the The students of 110 school school The students of 110

Photo by Megan Harn Harn Megan by Photo RAMPAGE for your green needs. green your for A salad carrier that offers A salad offers carrier that condiments a variety of ended up bringing my own lunch.” While ended up bringing my own lunch.” thing is sure, students are going hungry. thing is sure, students are going hungry. twice as states “It’s Colin Miller (Fr.) much money to get two pieces of pizza. I lunch changes, I received mixed answers. lunch changes, I received mixed answers. Some are aware of the program, while others are clueless. Not many knew of the specifications the program entailed. One at http://www.nthurston.k12.wa.us//Do main/92. mation regarding the lunch changes made, mation regarding the lunch changes made, are available on the district web page, under the Food and Nutrition Service tab a 100% juice cup, offering 100% UNfla a 100% juice cup, offering vored milk and regulating the amount of All of the infor the main dish for lunch. to take a half cup serving of fruits and vegetables, providing whole grains, offer ing meals that meet specific calorie ranges for each schooling level, the option to take and to get students on a track that will of benefit their health later in life. Some the rules entailed are: requiring students begin their transformation. These changes, begin their transformation. point of The fall of 2012. became effective the program, is to avoid teenage obesity, Kids Act of 2010. Kids Agriculture of United States Department (or the USDA), the lunches were able to districts in Washington state have been the state have Washington districts in new lunch Obama’s subject of Michelle program, named the

January 25, 2013 January Food For All... Right? For Food News 2 What is it Worth: Benefits of AP Courses by Anita Richards & Cheyenne Watler Students in Advanced Placement (AP) classes are all week, while others cram for the test the night before. Something feeling the heat as the final exam quickly approaches. Many of that comes along with the stress is the fear of not having a social them even begin to wonder whether or not AP classes are worth life in High School. While some people are out partying and it by the end of the year. These classes can be a lot to handle, and going out on the weekends, some students in AP might feel like most students agree it takes a higher level of determination to this is impossible. Just being in these classes teaches students master the concepts (along with the extra loads of work). Social that they have to organize their time wisely to have any free time life and other work from general education classes often get put to spend with friends. Between getting jobs and keeping up their on the back burner, while students try to meet the high demands study habits, not much time remains. “AP is different because of their AP courses in order to pass the final exams in May. you’re studying with a purpose” Myranda explains. Getting into In trying to handle the work overload of AP classes, study groups to prepare for tests can also help people get to know one of the largest struggles for students is time management. their classmates. This gives them the opportunity to arrange time Many students find themselves having to prioritize their time to have fun as well, but it is still up to the student. more toward AP classes, sometimes accepting that their gen- “It is not about getting into the classes, eral ed homework will not get done on time. AP Language and Composition takes precedence over Algebra, or AP Government it’s about learning the material.” over calligraphy. With deadlines, weekly tests, in-class essays, [ ] and concepts to remember throughout the year, students forget Some students take AP courses because it is like a to listen to the advice of their teachers: “You have to be willing college course without as much pressure. Mr. Aufort concurs, to put in more time, just couple hours a week to stay fresh and mentioning, “Taking AP classes in high school gives you practice retain the information throughout the year.” This is the voice of for college, more than anything else. This setting just makes it many AP teachers, put into words by Mr. Aufort, a first-year AP less threatening to students.” There is a higher level of think- Chemistry teacher. He explains that while teaching courses he has ing because everyone is trying to learn as much as they can as not thought about for years may be difficult at first, they give him effectively as possible. Logan Bryan, Junior, says, “It is not the opportunity to address the more interesting parts of chemistry about getting into the classes, its about learning the material.” AP and to run into new learning experiences everyday alongside his classes require students to not only study for the tests throughout students. the year, but also to retain the information for the final exam. AP classes are defined by the level of depth they delve After getting feedback from so many students in AP into that most general ed classes don’t reach. Not only are the classes, students want to know what the best study strategies concepts deeper, but they need to last until the test at the end of are. Teachers are ready to give this advice. The first thing most the year. Some students enjoy the fast pace, but others say they teachers say is that no matter what, don’t cram for an exam! It is would like it to slow down. Some teachers make their class seem important to refresh your memory on previous units all along the more important than other classes. Some people stress that in AP way. Being organized and reviewing any useful handouts given classes it is important to know as much information as possible to you throughout the year will save you more times than not. and keep it memorized throughout the year. Myranda Paquette, Students ought to be more willing to put in more time throughout Junior, says, “I just have to take a deep breath and realize that it the week. Every action and study habit must have a plan behind can’t all be done.” Surprisingly, many students agreed with this it, and must be striving toward the goal of passing the final exam statement, saying that one of the many skills AP taught them was at the end of the year. By keeping this in mind and managing time how to keep from being overworked by making compromises. and social life wisely, AP classes will prove to be a benefit in the Being in AP classes means taking on a lot of hard work future. and stress. Some people spread out their studies throughout the

Mrs. Meyer looks forward to teaching AP History Mr. Aufort enjoys the challenge of teaching AP classes students throughout the rest of the year. for the first time this year. 3 Features The Year 2012 In A Whole by Patrick Burke A lot happened in the year of our dear world, and Curiosity land on this storm caused $62 billion in damage, 2012, we celebrated many comings, and another as well. We also watched the first making it the second costliest storm in many goings. We met new people, said female astronaut go into space. In our little history. good-bye to old friends and added another world here at NTHS, students enjoyed a We discovered a new particle; year to our lives. 2012 proved to be as year as great as any other, Zachary Sibley the Higgs Boson brought the world to an cruel as it was kind, with twists and turns (9) won state in both baseball, and 4x100. uproar. The Olympics came back for their around every corner. This year saw records Reagan Scofield (12) went to Florida with annual visit, this time in London, and set, traditions broken, and franchises fin- her Renaissance friends, where Mr. Aufort then we witnessed an event that brought ished. In the world of publishing we saw made her cry. Lauren Williams (10) wasn’t the world to its knees...Or did we? Sadly the last physical issue of Encyclopædia afraid to get a little personal and share that enough the world did not end on Dec Britannica released 244 years after their she got adopted. 21st, 2012, it continued to turn of its own first publication. Not to forget Isaiah Chantry accord. Though, for those of us who In Japan, the Tokyo Skytree, the (9) and his tale though, he reportedly ate survived Y2K, we now have 2 apocalypse tallest standing structure on the planet bacon wrapped hamburger, and said it medals! was opened to the public. We also saw the was “like eating a bacon rainbow...” We The Dark Knight Rises entered beautiful musical Les Misérables hit the watched a species go extinct, Lonesome theatres last year, concluding the trilogy big screen for the first time. Not to forget George, the last known individual of the centered on the unforgettable hero. The Felix Baumgartner’s freefall of 39,045 Pinta Island Tortoise’s, died last year, Avengers also took the theatres by storm, meters, setting a record as the first man to making the species extinct. And of course, becoming the best selling movie of all break the sound barrier without vehicular the storm of the century as its been called, time. With all the breakthroughs, and float- assistance on his descent. Superstorm Sandy. Killing as many as 253 ing pigs this year you’d have to be insane We saw Whitney Houston leave people in the Caribbean and the east coast, to NOT be psyched for 2013.

Best Beats of 2012 by Megan Melcher Rock, hip hop, alternative, pop, Manchester Orchestra and ‘Daredevil’ by people will agree on the same style but country. 2012 was a year of breakout Fiona Apple,” commented Callie Wood there is one thing that is acceptable to performers, classic hits and catchy tunes (Sr.). When asked why these two particu- all people: music will continue to be an across all music genres. From newcom- lar songs, Wood replied, “I was going important part of life. The artist and their ers such as One Direction and Carly Rae through a rough time and I felt like the work will continue to inspire people, mod- Jepsen, to power houses including Maroon lyrics to ‘Everything to Nothing’ really eling future generations and their musical 5 and Taylor Swift, the music landscape applied to my life at that point in time. For pursuits for the years to come. changed with new and fresh songs that any ‘Daredevil’, basically the song has raw audiophile would enjoy. emotion and really hits you.” Mikayla Bell British sensation Adele remained (So.) experienced the same problem as a favorite among some students here at Wood. “My 2 favorite songs are ‘5-1-5-0’ North Thurston. “My favorite song of by Dierks Bently and ‘Red Solo Cup’ by 2012 is definitely ‘Turning Tables’ by Toby Keith. I love the first song because Adele,” Patrice Mitchell (Sr.) quoted, of how upbeat the song’s lyrics are and the explaining, “I love Adele and the song second song because it is sort of a theme because it has so much meaning behind song for my family because we love to the lyrics.” Adele wasn’t the only British have fun.” performer to capture people’s ears. “The “Probably my favorite song from song I loved last year was ‘What Makes last year had to be ‘Thrift Shop’ by Mackl- You Beautiful’ by One Direction,” Masai emore,” Connor Larsen (Fr.) stated. Larsen Hunter (Jr.) stated with a smile. There is went on to say, “I like this song because it no doubt that both foreign artist will con- talks about not always having name brands tinue to make an impact across the globe to be cool.” Isaac Arneson (So.) went with during the New Year. the song “Supremacy” by Muse. “The With so many songs that are out reason this was my favorite song last year in the world, the most challenging part has to be the great musical talent from the would be narrowing down just to one band and from the instruments.” favorite. “My two favorite from last year Everyone has their favorite type have to be “Everything to Nothing’ by of music and their favorite songs. Not all Features 4 America Has Spoken... “X”ing out the X Factors by Zachery Slagle by Cindi Pan Arguably the best of their first three sea- From thousands of contestants, the battle to win a five million dollar sons, The Voice has had a season to remember. It has recording contract has sparked intense media activity throughout the months recorded more viewers throughout this whole season of November and December. X-Factor, a show created by Simon Cowell than they’ve had since the beginning of their show in of the infamous American Idol, has become a huge sensation in America, 2011. Due to the rapid growth in popularity the show mostly because of the amazing talent that was recruited this year. From received its given people a sense of excitement for the thousands of potential singers, the judges Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, L.A. dreaded Monday. A star filled lineup with the biggest Reid, and Simon Cowell, have weeded out a few hundred and to the final top country artist perhaps in the past decade, Blake Shel- 16 acts. However, not all contestants are individual people that had originally ton, the pop icon Christina Aguilera, the legendary auditioned for a solo career. Simon Cowell put together groups of people that Ceelo Green and every girls favorite Adam Levine. had talent but not enough to participate solo. The Voice has become one of the most publicized and The final four consisted of two groups and two solo artists. Fifth beloved shows on television. Harmony, the group that was put together by Simon Cowell in an attempt Each coach chose from the blind auditions to make a girl group from five vocally strong girls, has progressed tremen- 16 talents to be on their team. They then had to cut dously throughout the competition. Emblem3, originally from Sequim those 16 down to ten by having the battle rounds Washington, consists of three young adult heartthrob males has won the where artists went head to head singing a duet leaving hearts of girls all around the nation. Tate Stevens, the oldest of the final four the coach to choose the better of the two. This season contestants, is a country singer at heart and has often placed in 1st after a few introduced a new concept of “stealing” someone elim- rankings. Finally, Carly Rose Sonenclare, the girl that was underestimated by inated from the battle rounds and adding them to their the judges with her song choice of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, but took team. The coaches had two steals to their advantage them by surprise with her mature and controlled voice. to round out each team to ten singers. Straight from Through thick and thin, these contestants have fought through thou- the beginning there were favorites such Avery Wilson, sands of auditions to get to this point. All of these contestants have the ability Trevin Hunte, and a young girl named Melanie Mar- to become a star in their own name, without the five million dollar contract. tinez. However, from the results of blind auditions For a long time the race was between Tate Stevens and Carly Rose Sonen- you wouldn’t be able guess who would be revealed clar, and Season Two of the X-Factor ended with Tate Stevens as the winner. the winner in the end due to the surplus of talent. You Tate was not the only signed artist however; all three runner ups could be biased and say the person you like the most will be signed to Syco Music which is co-owned by Simon Cowell and Sony would win it, but at the end of the day, America had Music. The end to this season will start a new chapter in each of the contes- the final say in the matter. tants lives, whether it is because of the experience, new music contracts, or A young artist by the name of Casadee Pope getting that push to further their music aspirations. was this season’s victor. She beat out the heavily In my opinion the winner, Tate, deserved this golden opportunity. talented Trevin Hunte, the rocker who sounds like a All of the other contestants are young and didn’t necessarily lose out. Their legend in Terry McDermott, and the strange, yet fasci- music careers are just getting started and we will be hearing a lot from these nating, Nicholas David. Some people know of Casa- artists in the next coming years. dee from the band “Hey Monday” and might question For the next season of X-Factor, L.A. Reid will be leaving the show why she would even be allowed on the show but to work on his own music company, since he feels that he has neglected it, she wanted to explore the solo artist journey and it’s but what about Demi and Britney? Well we’ll just have to see the fate of their safe to say she’s had great success. Only having two jobs in the next year. coaches turn their chairs in the blind auditions and not even standing out as a favorite, she worked week to week improving her tone and pitch and becoming the youngest and first female to win the show. Her coach Blake Shelton has now been the coach of the show’s winner two seasons in a row and for those who watch the show; you know he’ll be bragging about it to Adam every week in the blind auditions of season four when trying to persuade sing- ers to join his team. Speaking of which, there will be a different look for the show next season. Christina Aguilera and Ceelo Green will have to miss the next season due to business related absences and Usher and Shakira will replace them. It’s bringing new posi- tive attention to the show giving the fans something else to look forward to for season 4. 5 Features Access Denied by Masai Hunter aving restricted receive discounts for Internet provide for educating minors Netflix require a lot of band Haccess to certain access or internal connections about appropriate online width which slows down the websites on our school com- through the E-rate program – a behavior, including interact- systems stream; however, You- puters is not only frustrating program that makes certain ing with other individuals on Tube is blocked mostly due to for many students but also for communications services and social networking websites inappropriate content. our library staff and the whole products more affordable for and in chat rooms, and cyber Updated software is district. North Thurston’s eligible schools and libraries. bullying awareness and very important as well. Now librarian, Mr. Coker, believes Schools and librar- response. For more on CIPA’s that there are more mobile de- that as a teacher-librarian, “it is ies subject to CIPA may not policy go to: http://www.fcc. vices being used than desktops, our obligation to provide and receive the discounts offered gov/guides/childrens-internet- schools are having a harder strike a balance between access by the E-rate program unless protection-act time managing software. to resources and community they certify that they have Also, every school Students have a voice now responsibility”. an Internet safety policy that district has a budget and it on the technology committee. Most students believe includes technology protec- cost money to make resources Seniors, Jooneil Ahn and Scott there is restricted access due tion measures. The protection and technology more acces- Vannerson, are currently on the to the possibilities of getting measures must block or filter sible. Every school district and committee. hacked, spammed, or having Internet access to pictures that library must control streaming The district tries to sexual content, but that is only are: (a) obscene; (b) child the media bandwidth. A lot of make as many alternatives half of the truth. North Thur- pornography; or (c) harm- school’s block more than CIPA as possible. If you have a ston and many other schools ful to minors (for computers requires due to controlling the problem with having access and libraries have restrictive that are accessed by minors). bandwidth. Bandwidth is the to an informational website access on computers all due to Schools subject to number of digital units per that is blocked, you can have a a balancing act of a policy and CIPA have two additional second. To keep the system teacher email the Technology technology. certification requirements:1) running the school must either Help desk to unblock it. All schools must their Internet safety policies pay for more bandwidth or have appropriate software, due must include monitoring the have more websites blocked. to the Children’s Internet Pro- online activities of minors; For example, listening tection Act (CIPA) policy. Not and 2) as required by the to music has been an issue for only do all the schools have Protecting Children in the students as well as many teach- to abide by the policy but also 21st Century Act, they must ers. Websites like Pandora and every school’s district. North Thurston’s Human Resources (HR) and Fiscal district have restricted access as well. Lev- els of access vary among the school districts according to district policies. Before CIPA required filtering software, students would accidently find inappro- priate content. “It wasn’t much of a problem you just had to deal with it, but then better fil- tering software developed that helped manage access.” Coker said. However, it has been dif- ficult for the policy to keep up with technology. In 2000 the Congress enacted CIPA to address con- cerns about children’s access to “obscene” or “harmful” content over the Internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that Reviews 6 2012 Games Of The Year by Kalei Sabas, Carlin Divorss, and Robby Burns Many games have been going head to head with each other to receive the coveted game of the year award. Each year a single game is chosen because they were not simply a good game, but a game that exhibits high quality properties. When it came to deciding on a game there was a set of standards that we were looking for. The games we chose from were only ones that we have played as well as following this rubric: The story The story had to be well made and make sense. If it was a sequel, the game fol- lowed well with the previous installments. The story also needed to be unique in its own way, if not following a previous title. Game play The feel of the controls needed to play effectively. Meaning if you push a button to dodge, the character dodges. The controls also need to be simple and easily under- stood. Style and look Graphics look neat, clean, and they suck you into the game, making the overall experience better. A style that that can be considered original.

Non-playable characters (NPC) Personalities that make them stand out over the other background characters. Char- acters that you become attached to, with evolving development. Game flow The pace of the game goes at a very even speed through the story line or multi- player game. Main events don’t happen right away but also don’t take forever to happen.

The 2012 game of the year goes tions and piece things together themselves. The game’s graphics are clean to The Walking Dead: The Game devel- The characters are played so well that but with the look of a comic book brought oped by Telltale Games. This game is a players can feel the emotion and turmoil to life. This makes sense because it is point-and-click adventure role playing they are going through. The personalities based on the comic book series. The look game based on Robert Kirkman’s comic also are very evident right when they are of the environment and the zombies give book series. The Walking Dead game is meet. players the feeling that there is no hope available to play on Xbox, Playstation 3, The gameplay is a point-and- left in this world. The music also sets a and PC engines. The entire game is di- click style but has its own unique mechan- creepy feeling by not playing until just vided into five episodes, containing seven ic to it. The player can move around freely the right moments, like when Lee makes chapters each. The player plays from a but has a cursor to interact with objects in a disturbing revelation or a startling event third person perspective with changing the world. When talking to a character, the happens. The overall mood of the game is camera angles, like in the first few Resi- player will most likely have a timed re- that all hope is lost but the will to survive dent Evil games. The protagonist, Lee sponse. Based on their response, the game is strong. Everett, must work with a rag tag group could be impacted in one way or another The Walking Dead is not only of survivors to reach help and survive the leading to many ways the game could go. a great show and comic but now a great apocalypse. This zombie game is more The player could also choose to let the game. The story is gripping and well done, about story and developing characters than time run out which will have Lee remain leaving the players wondering what’s it is about action. The player’s actions quiet. Other timed portions are when the going to happen next. The gameplay is a make the game personalized to the way player must choose between two char- fresh look at a zombie apocalypse aside they play the game. acters to keep alive, farther changing the from the left-for-dead version of gaming. The game follows simultaneously story. Finally there are quick time As well as the look and feel of the game as with the original comic series’ events. events for the player to follow on screen to a whole it is simply amazing. This game is There are numerous characters in this keep themselves or other characters alive. worth the time to play as a fan of the show game, which could die at any point in the If this portion is failed, players are brought or just a curious gamer. game. The player controls Lee Everett, back to just before the quick time event. who is a former university professor con- All these features change up the game in victed for killing a senator. Lee eventually so many ways and really make the player becomes a father figure to a young girl feel that it’s “their game”, because it’s named Clementine and strives to keep her so tailored to what they choose to do. If safe. The story is told by talking to other a player wants to try different decisions, characters and the decisions the player the game has a rewind feature that allows makes. There is no narrator that tells play- them to start at the beginning of the epi- ers what’s going on. Players have revela- sode. 7 Reviews Bringing Back the Jak by Robby Burns

he year 2012 brought many formed by the procedure. Where Jak & Tgaming legends to a start, and Daxter was a quest to return Daxter to his some to a halt. But what it also managed normal form, Jak 2 is an adventure bent on to do, is resurface some of the oldest, pure revenge. delicate works that have been made in the After spending two years in pris- past few ages. One of these is a childhood on, being a lowly experiment, he breaks friend that some of used to coddle close to free, and plans to destroy the government our hearts. The ever popular Jak & Daxter that has corrupted his very soul. The series. The digitally remastered edition of series continues to be an amazing surprise all three amazing games (Jak & Daxter, as it turns from sandals and farms, to an Jak 2 and Jak 3) came out exclusively amazing city with guns and vehicles. From for the Playstation. It was like bottling up collecting Power cells, to Missions that are happiness to be drunk by the young adult meant to destroy a baron. gamers of our era, offering an alternative Jak 3 is the final installment to to marriage or relationships. But for those this amazing series, and by now our hero of you that have yet to experience the pure has been through his own personal hell joy one gets from playing these games, and back. He’s toppled a government, allow me to explain the reason I chose this and much more, but the people hate him. oldie, to one of the newer games that have What’s fair isn’t always given, so our hit the markets with a splash friend Jak, and his companion, the musk- Required for almost every single rat Daxter are sentenced to death outside good game is a adequate story to go along the city, in the rough, barren desert. In with what your playing. This rule certainly this game, the aim is to survive, to prove applies to Jak & Daxter, thrusting you into yourself and make it back to the city that a clever tale of two young friends explor- has become your home. ing where they shouldn’t, touching things Offering you more guns, and they know they shouldn’t even look at, sweet new desert buggies, Jak 3 is the and being generally reckless with their most hyped out of all the others. Not even actions. One of these actions resulted in the character development stops. You’ll Daxter falling into a vat of a substance soon find that Jak was changed in such a called Dark Eco, which morphed him into way that he not only holds the power of a Ottsel, a twist between an otter, and a Dark eco, destruction, unmaking, he holds seal. Thus, the epic quest the two begin the sacred white eco of creation and life. starts with attempting to find the master of Using ancient magic and tech, Jak can the Dark Eco. A substance so vile that it become a Precursor (a being of ultimate can twist the very soul of a creature, or in power) which helps immensely. this case, the form. The remastery of these three The game puts you through games not only brought them back to the a game where Magic and Science are modern gaming world for us to enjoy. It closely linked to each other, giving the also fixed a few small bugs that required game a Steampunk sort of feel. Jak must attention, as well as throwing in better and attempt to find a certain amount of “Power enhanced graphics just to brighten up your cells” in each level in order to advance experience. In my own personal opinion as to the next zone. These cells are cleverly a gamer and a fan of the series, the story is hidden throughout the levels, or given to a great one, and a original. The game play Jak if he completes a challenge. Each level of all three only improves with each game, is different in it’s own way, introducing a and is amazing. The plot moves a bit fast new color of the magic substance known for my liking, but is slow enough to enjoy. as “Eco”. I’d recommend this series any day of the The game Jak 2 Results in an ac- week, rain or sun, snow or storm. cidental time warp that happens in the first installment, Jak & Daxter. Where Jak is taken in by the police of this new futuristic age, and experimented on with dark eco. It twists his very being, and he is trans- Reviews 8 Game of the Year: Mass Effect 3 by Carlin Devorss There have been a lot of games put into the appearance becomes appar- released last year, but of all them one has ent easily. Particle effects of weapon stood above the rest for me. Released in fire dart across the screen and abilities March Mass Effect 3 is the final install- display their awe inspiring effects be it ment of the trilogy of games crafted by a simple grenade or stealth technology. Bioware, wraps up the events of the pre- All in all the graphics of Mass Effect 3 vious two in an emotional and exciting whether it’s on the console or the pc are conclusion. I’ll be analyzing the game stunning. and judging it into five aspects, plot, A signature of the series is game play, style, non-playable characters stringing everything together or evolving (NPC), and multiplayer. the smaller plot-lines that may be forgot- Mass effect 3 picks up some ten in the larger picture of the game’s time after the ending of the previous plot. Whether it was a citizen from a game with the space faring Commander settlement that was rescued in the first Shephard. Far from their crew and stuck game or a main character that’s been with behind a desk job all the while dreading Shephard from the start, they’ve a role to the inevitable return of ‘The Reapers’, play in the story. The choices the players sentient mechanical beings that have have made from the previous games play existed far longer than any species and a central part in aiding or hindering the harvest all life in the galaxy. Unfortu- player and alter the flow of the story. nately the Commander is one of few who However , unlike previous have discovered the horrible truth along entries in the series, Mass Effect 3 comes his career of stopping galactic-sized with a different form of multiplayer than mayhem. Not long after the player is re- the typical co-op. Instead of pitting play- acquainted with the Commander and his ers against each other they must work situation the inevitable occurs and earth together in a multi-round scenario with is assaulted by the Reapers and Shephard changing objectives such as computer becomes humanity’s only hope to unite hacking, eliminating key targets, or the fractured relationships between the simply surviving an onslaught of enemy other species in the galaxy. forces. The six classes from the game As expected of the last game in make an appearance, each class having a the trilogy Mass Effect 3’s combat has racial subset that slightly alters what abil- vastly improved over the course of the ities you have during engagements. After series’ life time. Whether you’re sit- each game you’re given credits based ting in the back picking off baddies or upon how well you did and bonuses for running and gunning all the way to their specific accomplishments, you can spend group, you’ll have the gear and selec- these credits on ‘packs’ (randomized tion to fit your play style. The abilities loot that has long or short term benefits). have divergent trees every time you Overall the multiplayer focuses on doing invest in them so by the time you’ve your best but sends strong opponents completely invested in ability you’ll find to keep team co-operation as a needed it much more tailored to your play style factor. than when you started. The new arsenal Mass Effect 3 takes game of ensures that every weapon you find (and the year for me because of the immense there are quite a few) will be useful and amount of improvements and effort that with weapon parts customization is back, went into crafting an enjoyable as well as and affects your approach to combat riveting plot that led me to the surprising drastically but still allowing you to ap- conclusion. proach it how you want. Mass Effect has come a long way in terms of appearance. Environ- ments are large and packed with detail. Whether you’re running through alien ruins or fighting on the streets of a futur- istic earth the amount of work and effort 9 Sports Zach & John: Welcome to the Har-Bowl

Z: You couldn’t ask for a more intriguing Kaepernick is an obvious key to success to be able to stay disciplined and force matchup of teams if you’re the NFL. Not for the team, but who is your X-factor for turnovers coupled with the offense having only do you have two great teams who the 49ers to be lifting the Lombardi trophy long sustained drives to give the defense have their own respected stories, but you in New Orleans? some time off. Lastly the predictions: also have the underlying storyline of the who ya got, Zach, and why? opposing coaches being brothers. John Z: I totally agree with the case you make Harbaugh, the coach of the Baltimore about the Ravens Defense unable to pre- Z: It’s inevitable the Ravens defense as a Ravens, has gotten his team to the playoffs vent a mobile quarterback from having a whole will have to be up to the task in the for each of his first five seasons which big game. In their game against RGIII, the biggest game of the year, the defensive has been done once by Bill Walsh in the Ravens defense worried too much about line most importantly. But if the Ravens late 70s into the 80s. Then you have Jim the mobility of RGIII which led the rookie are going to win, their new offensive Harbaugh, a coach on the rise, who has a to have a great day throwing the ball down coordinator Jim Caldwell will have to step great resumé getting his team to the NFC field. Kaepernick is just as good of a run- up big time. He needs to pound the ball in championship during both of his first two ner as RGIII, with a strong arm and accu- between the tackles which will give Joe seasons. However, probably the biggest rate in the pocket. I think the only way the Flacco time to survey the field and find storyline going into Super Bowl XLVII Ravens defense can stop Kaepernick is to open passing opportunities. As far as my is the retirement of one of the greatest stop Frank Gore. You stop Gore then you pick, I’m sure it will change during the linebackers the NFL has seen; Ray Lewis. take away the read option. As long as they two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl Ever since he announced he was leaving blow up the running lanes for Gore they but as of right now, I’m picking the 49ers the game, the Ravens haven’t lost. He can handle the 49ers attack. This brings to win with a final score of 23 to 17. I came back from what was thought to be me to my X-factor. I think for the 49ers think the 49ers are dominant in every a career-ending triceps injury, and proved to have any chance to next Sunday, Colin phase of the game and head coach Jim why he’s one of the greats to ever play. Kaepernick needs to his receivers to step Harbaugh will have his team more focused He’s inspired the Ravens defense to be up, starting with Michael Crabtree. Ever and ready for the big stage. I think Colin better than they have been all season and since Colin was named the starter, he and Kaepernick is a great young quarterback has really brought the whole organization Crabtree have only connected for seven and has a game very few teams can man- together to make sure Ray Lewis’ career touchdowns and 66 receptions. As much age. I think the San Francisco defense is ends the right way. What can the 49ers do as a threat Collin is to run, he needs to be stout and will get after Joe Flacco with to change that? a greater threat passing the ball. Crabtree defensive ends Justin and Aldon Smith and will be key in San Francisco’s scheme. will attempt to contain All-pro speedster J: Ray Lewis announcing his retirement On the opposite side of the field ,who will Ray Rice. As long as the secondary does has been a huge emotional boost for the be a game changer for the Ravens? enough to slow down deep threat Torrey Baltimore Ravens, no doubt. They had Smith, they’ll be able to win. all but flat lined to end the season, and J: For Baltimore you could look at a lot Flacco had proven, once again, he couldn’t of different players to be big influences on J: I have to go with the 49ers also to win handle the pressure of the bright lights. the game. Joe Flacco is finally stepping their 6th Super Bowl in franchise history. San Francisco, though, has been hot in up into the upper echelon of quarterbacks I just think that Baltimore won’t be able their own right lately. After the worst in the NFL with his play in the month of to bottle up Kaepernick and the running game played by the 49ers since Harbaugh January. The receiving core led by Tor- game for four full quarters. With the re- joined the team against the Seahawks, rey Smith and Anquan Boldin will allow emergence of TE Vernon Davis last week the offense led by second year man Colin the Ravens to spread the field and attack in Atlanta the passing game looks better Kaepernick has been unstoppable. The a weak secondary for the 49ers. The than ever and LaMichael is finally finding Ravens haven’t faced a threat like him X-factor for the team doesn’t lie on the himself a little niche in this Jim Harbaugh since they played RGIII back in Week offensive side of the ball and it’s not just offense. Finally, do you remember the 14. Baltimore struggled all day against one person; it’s the D-line that will decide last time San Francisco was in the Su- his mobility and resulted in a 31-28 OT the game for Baltimore. Haloti Ngata and per Dome? Kaepernick was running loss for the team. Last week in the AFC Ma’ake Kemoeatu along with the rest of wild in his coming out party and he Championship game we saw Tom Brady the big boys up front will have to step up led them to a 31-21 victory and there take off for a couple yards twice on the against a physical and fast attack from should be a similar result next Sunday. Ravens front. Kaepernick’s uncanny abil- the 49ers. Alongside Kaepernick and ity to take off for big chunks of yards and LaMichael is veteran four-time pro bowler I say the 49ers win 34-24, giving the execute the outside zone read to perfection Frank Gore. He is big, swift on his feet, NFC 4 straight victories in the biggest with former Oregon Ducks LaMichael and can wear a defense out after 4 quar- game of the year. James will give the Ravens D fits all day. ters. The D-Line for the Ravens will have Sports 10 Feature Athlete: Jake Grantham Pinning Him Down by Zach Slagle

raised by the referee every time before all his opponents all the way up to he steps in the circle, believing he can the finals match where he lost. After match up against anyone and come out which he wrestled for second place victorious. His focal point of match against the person who placed third. styles are freestyle, folk style, Greco Jake pinned him in the first round. Photo by Zach Slagle and hopes to be awarded All American He left with a sense of regret that day Soph. Jake Grantham always seeks to im- prove his skills, and it shows on the mat. honors in one, if not, all three. He’s a and the thought of what would have tough critic of himself. A true perfec- happened if he wrestled that finals Everybody has their talents tionist in the ring making sure every match a little differently. Sure Jake and we all know of first-class people slide, take down and submission are wishes for a different outcome but in but to attain both is one thing very few precise and attempts to prevent his the long run, Jake probably believes it have achieved. This issue’s Athlete opponent from ever receiving a point happened for a reason. Treating it as Spotlight introduces the prolific soph- if he can avoid it. He says he’s never a learning experience and motivation omore wrestler Jake Grantham. Many had that perfect moment or match and for when that moment comes around know of his hysterical personality is still pursuing it. again, he’s going to use that feeling but when it comes down to wrestling, Jake’s past has had its proud of disappointment as motivation and it’s almost as if his alter ego appears, moments and its setbacks. Last sum- make sure things go differently. And bringing a fearless wrestler who will mer Jake dislocated his shoulder and for Jake Grantham, it’s safe to say that do anything and everything it takes to tore his rotator cuff. The doctor told moment will be in his reach soon. get the victory. him that depending on how it healed Everybody with a talent starts it could prevent him from competing somewhere and for Jake that was in all sports from six months up to an when he was five years old. Critics entire year. He knew that in order get will think that’s a young age, but if back into proper physical shape and you were to ask him he’d pleasantly ready for football in the fall it would say it’s not young enough. Wrestling take devotion he’s never had to give became Jake’s passion working hard to before. Well he got in physical condi- tion for football and managed to be develop his skills. He says, “There are Photo by Zach Slagle a million things I could improve on, awarded second all league for defen- sive tackle. He believes his wrestling Against Timberline, Jake is about to face off in but more than others it would be not final match of the meet. getting so pumped up before a match”. background gives him a great advan- Rather than attempt to intimidate his tage in football, using his background opponent, he wants to keep his com- of balance and speed to evade the posure and focus so he doesn’t lose linemen and get to the quarterback. control in his wrestling. “I try to keep His passion for wrestling goes a smooth and easy pace and attack beyond the skills and work ethic you when things open up” Jake says. need to succeed. His favorite thing As far as this year’s been about wrestling is the fact that it’s only going for Jake, his 18-2 record makes him and his opponent. There’s nobody him one of the favorites for state in else to blame for mistakes but there’s “no one you have to share a victory his weight class. He won’t settle for The North Thurston Wrestling team. anything less than state after making with either” as he puts it. His fondest it his sophomore year and especially memory was this past spring break since he missed out last year. He keeps when he was competing in a folk style the mental image of his hand being tournament for nationals. He pinned 11 Sports Girls Keep Rolling by Kayla Raybould

Our Lady Rams had two suc- Brittany Sebesta (Sr.), and Katherine cessful wins this week against Capital Welcome (Sr.) were all big scorers High School’s Lady Cougars and the throughout the whole game. Alisa Highclimbers from Shelton High Feliciano (Sr.) scored multiple 3-point School. shots which helped the Lady Rams get On January 2nd, the Rams an even greater lead over Shelton. The had a substantial lead at half time over score was 23-16 at the half with our Capital, leading 26-10 and eventually Lady Rams in the lead. They kept up winning the game 44-28. The second that lead and won the game 47-25. Photo by Megan Harn half became intense, with multiple Great job to all of our girls! Keep up struggles over the ball and aggressive the great work! Alisa Feliciano (Sr) and Megan Kramer (Jr) play lock down defense against Shelton on the play. The team plays next tonight, 9th. On January 9th, we dominated January 25th, at Foss and Wednesday, the Lady Highclimbers from Shelton. January 30th, at home. Go to these Jordyn Colburn (Sr.), Haley Harn (Sr.), games and show some support!

Making Waves by Anita Richards

As the winter season contin- ment for the season, but for all of high ues, boys’ swim sustains their unde- school. feated streak. With district qualifying While swimming may seem times from a good portion of the team, like all work and no play, the guys on and a strong sense of effort and team the team still know how to have fun. spirit, Thurston beat Lincoln by a Getting up early on Saturdays to go landslide on January 8th. They won to morning practices may be difficult, Photo by Megan Harn first and second place in every event, but many times it is worth it when not even feeling pressure from the the team gets to play water volleyball On January 8th against league rival Lincoln, other team. after the tiring workout. The team also Junior David Wolf dives in front of the boys swim team. After talking to members of bonds through spaghetti feeds and by the team at the meet, everyone agreed just getting to practice together. The that they owed this win to the amount guys all agree that messing around of hard work they put in at practices between each drill makes practice fun every day. The guys on the swim team even though it is a lot of hard work. put in one hundred percent effort at This type of camaraderie keeps the each practice and Coach Ayres pushes team spirit up and makes the guys fo- them all to achieve their highest po- cus and support each other during ev- tentials. He helps each swimmer make ery meet. With the winning streak they a goal which they strive to achieve by have so far, it seems that the North

Photo by Megan Harn the end of the season, and another goal Thurston swim team cannot lose. to work for by their senior year. Obvi- Daniel Moeller (Jr.) competes during the Boys ously, swimming is not only a commit- Swim meet against Lincoln last Tuesday. Entertainment 8

RamPage Staff 2012-13 Photography Editor: Megan Harn Assistant Photography Editor: Advisor: Ms. Bork Megan Melcher Editor-In-Chief: Cindi Pan Chief Photographer: Mikayla Bell Managing Editors: Zachary Slagle & Kayla Raybould Staff: Business Manager: Tasneem Osman Robert Burns, Adam Byrnes, Assistant Business Manager: Carlin Devorss, Deborah Garrison, Cheyenne Watler Kelsey Gonzales, Masai Hunter, Content Editor: Anna Provoe, Barbara Provoe, Callie Wood & Jada Cerniwey Anita Richards, Kalei Sabas, Sports Editor: John Corey James Sinnett, Whitney Vu, and News Editor: Chelsie Bopp Benjamin Watson. Features Editor: Alissa Sorger Entertainment Editor: Patrick Burke